How to Use a Computer

X

This article is co-authored by a team of editors and trained researchers who confirm the accuracy and completeness of the article.

The wikiHow Content Management team carefully monitors the work of editors to ensure that every article is up to a high standard of quality.

This article has been viewed 30,294 times.

You can do a lot of cool things with the computer, but if you’re just getting used to it, it can be quite daunting. Fortunately, computers are getting simpler and simpler, and you can get them up and running in minutes. Continue reading below to get started using your computer professionally, from setting up a new computer to surfing the web safely and installing your favorite programs.

Table of Contents

Begin

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/45/Use-a-Computer-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/45/Use-a-Computer-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Set up your computer. If it’s a new desktop, you’ll have to work a little before using it. After finding a place near the table to place the case, you will have to connect the monitor, keyboard, and mouse as well as plug in the power to the case.

These are just things that need to be connected to be able to use the computer. You can add the following peripherals and accessories.
Things are much simpler with a new laptop. You just need to plug in the laptop to make sure it is charging and press the power button to start.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8f/Use-a-Computer-Step-2-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-2-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8f/Use-a-Computer-Step-2-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-2-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Create a user account. If this is your first time using the computer, you will most likely be asked to create a user account when you turn on the computer. This account will keep any documents, images, downloaded files or any other files you have created.

If your computer is set to public, you should use a strong password to protect personal information. This is what you should do, even if it’s a home computer.
Refer to how to create a new user account in Windows 7
Refer to how to create a new user account in Windows 8
Refer to how to create a new user account in OS X

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/32/Use-a-Computer-Step-3-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/32/Use-a-Computer-Step-3-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Get used to the screen. As the main work area of your computer, the screen is often the most visited place in your computer. Appears every time you log into your account, on the screen there are icons and shortcuts of the most frequently used files and programs. Depending on the operating system, the screen will have certain design and features.

The Start menu located in the lower left corner of the screen is typical of Windows operating systems (except Windows 8). This menu allows quick access to settings and installed programs.
Windows 8 has replaced the Start menu with the Start screen. Although the function is almost unchanged, here, basically, the way information is presented has been changed.
OS X lets you use multiple monitors to organize and control everything. You can refer to this to know how to use this multi-monitor feature.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f7/Use-a-Computer-Step-4-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-4-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f7/Use-a-Computer-Step-4-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-4-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Learn the basics of computer mouse and keyboard. The mouse and keyboard are the primary means of interaction with the computer. Therefore, you should take some time to familiarize yourself with how they work and how you can interact with your operating system and programs.

Learn to navigate with the mouse. Providing precise control and navigation, the mouse is essential for many activities. Getting used to using the mouse will play a big part in becoming proficient with your computer.
Practice using some keyboard shortcuts to improve working speed. A keyboard shortcut is a combination of several keys that, when pressed, activate some function in the running program or operating system. For example, with most programs that have a save file feature, you can press Ctrl + S ( ⌘ Cmd + S on a Mac) to have the program automatically save your current file.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/03/Use-a-Computer-Step-5-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-5-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/03/Use-a-Computer-Step-5-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-5-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Launch some pre-installed applications. Even if you build your own computer, you can still use some of the pre-installed applications and utilities without having to install anything else. If you’re using Windows, click the Start menu and browse through the available programs. If it’s a Mac, check the Dock and Applications folder.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/17/Use-a-Computer-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-6-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/17/Use-a-Computer-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-6-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Install your first program. Whatever computer you use, you’ll have to install additional software, that’s almost obvious. Usually there is nothing complicated as most programs have clear instructions for each installation step.

If you use Windows operating system, you can start with installing Microsoft Office. Word processing is one of the primary uses of computers for many people, and indeed, having access to a text editor is invaluable. The trial version of this editor is usually pre-installed on Windows computers.
Installing software on a Mac is slightly different from installing on Windows. That’s mainly due to the underlying fabric of the Mac operating system. Many Mac users find it much easier to install and manage programs on OS X than on Windows.

Learn basic computer commands

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/46/Use-a-Computer-Step-7-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-7-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/46/Use-a-Computer-Step-7-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-7-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Select file and text. You can use your mouse or keyboard shortcuts to select files on your desktop or text in documents and websites. Click and drag your mouse over the text you want to select, or press Ctrl + A (PC) or ⌘ Cmd + A (Mac) to select everything in your current location. Once you have selected the text or file, you can continue with quite a few options.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a8/Use-a-Computer-Step-8-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-8-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a8/Use-a-Computer-Step-8-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-8-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Copy and paste . Copy and paste is one of the most used operations after the text or file has been selected. “Copying” a file or text creates a copy on your computer’s clipboard without affecting the original file or document. You can then “Paste” the file or text elsewhere.

With PC, you can copy by pressing Ctrl + C and paste with Ctrl + V . You can also do so by right-clicking on the selected file or text and choosing the appropriate option from the drop-down menu.
With Mac, you can copy by pressing ⌘ Cmd + C and paste with the key combination ⌘ Cmd + V . You can also do so by right-clicking on the selected file or text and choosing the appropriate option from the drop-down menu.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b8/Use-a-Computer-Step-9-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-9-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b8/Use-a-Computer-Step-9-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-9-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Save and open the file . Many programs, such as text editors, image editors, and more, allow you to create and save documents and files. With computers, often pressing save is a smart thing to do because you will never know when the power will go out and hours of work suddenly become a waste just because it has not been saved. Make it a habit to save frequently and make new copies when you plan to do a lot of tweaking on certain files. Most programs that have a save function allow you to quickly save your work by pressing Ctrl + S (PC) or ⌘ Cmd + S (Mac).

If you have a lot of important files on your machine, you should consider setting up a backup system. That way, you’ll have at least a backup copy of every important file in case something happens to your computer. Windows and Mac OS X both have backup options built into the operating system.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/33/Use-a-Computer-Step-10-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-10-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/33/Use-a-Computer-Step-10-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-10-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Find and sort files. When you use your computer long enough, your collection of documents, movies, and files can start to become unmanageable. Take some time to organize your personal folders. You can create multiple new folders for easy access to information.

Internet connection

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/97/Use-a-Computer-Step-11-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/97/Use-a-Computer-Step-11-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Set up connection. To connect to the internet, your computer needs to have access to an internet connection of some kind. It can be a wireless network or a direct connection to a modem or router, depending on the configuration of the network and the capabilities of the computer.

Connect the computer to a wireless network (Wi-Fi). If your home, office, or school has a wireless network, you can use your computer to connect to that wireless network. Most laptops can connect to a wireless network easily, but some desktop computers may need a wireless network card installed.
Wired connections are usually faster and more stable. If the computer is located near an internet access point (modem or router), you should consider using an Ethernet cable to network the computer, especially the desktop, because they will usually be located in a fixed place. Not only eliminating the possibility of interference, wired connection also has a much faster transmission speed than wireless connection.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/20/Use-a-Computer-Step-12-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-12-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/20/Use-a-Computer-Step-12-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-12-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Open a web browser. It’s software that allows you to view web pages, online videos, download files, and do almost anything else internet related. By default, every computer has a pre-installed browser (Internet Explorer on Windows, Safari on Mac, and Firefox on Linux). However, you can still choose from some other popular alternative browsers.

Google Chrome is one of the most popular alternative browsers available today; it allows you to connect and sync with your Google account. Chrome is freely available from Google.
Firefox is another popular free browser. This browser is highly customizable with many powerful security options.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/98/Use-a-Computer-Step-13-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-13-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/98/Use-a-Computer-Step-13-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-13-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Install anti-virus software. Before you explore the internet, you should install anti-virus software. Protecting your computer from viruses and other malicious software, these programs are almost indispensable when connecting to the internet. Most computers come with a trial version of some anti-virus software pre-installed. However, there are still countless other powerful and completely free alternatives for you to choose from.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0e/Use-a-Computer-Step-14-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-14-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0e/Use-a-Computer-Step-14-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-14-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Surf the web safely . There’s a lot of malicious stuff on the internet: make sure you’re safe while browsing the web. Do not give out personal information, download only from trusted sources, stay away from viruses, scams and other dangerous and illegal activities.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0e/Use-a-Computer-Step-15-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-15-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0e/Use-a-Computer-Step-15-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-15-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Send email . Today, email is one of the most common methods of communication, and emailing is an extremely important computer skill. You can set up free email accounts with various email services and compose emails in minutes.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/6f/Use-a-Computer-Step-16-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-16-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/6f/Use-a-Computer-Step-16-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-16-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Download file. The Internet is flooded with all kinds of files that you can download to your computer. Popular among them are pictures, music and software programs. You can find files to download at thousands of locations and proceed with the download in countless different ways.

Extend the features of your computer

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7b/Use-a-Computer-Step-17-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-17-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7b/Use-a-Computer-Step-17-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-17-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Install the printer. If you are planning to set up a home office or use a computer for school, chances are that sooner or later you will need a printer. Installing a printer on a newer computer is simple: simply plug the printer into one of your computer’s available USB ports. The operating system will do the rest.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/86/Use-a-Computer-Step-18-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-18-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/86/Use-a-Computer-Step-18-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-18-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Set up a home network. A network allows multiple computers to interact with each other and share an internet connection. Connecting all computers and devices provides fast file access between devices, allowing everyone on the network to use a shared printer for printing, gaming, and more. To set up a network, you need a router or network switch. All devices will connect to this hardware, either wirelessly or via Ethernet cable.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9e/Use-a-Computer-Step-19-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-19-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9e/Use-a-Computer-Step-19-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-19-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Install a webcam or microphone . With a webcam, you can video chat with friends and family from around the world through programs like Skype and Google+. As with most computer peripherals, the webcam usually installs itself as soon as it’s plugged in. Most webcams connect to computers via USB, and many laptops come equipped with webcams.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f6/Use-a-Computer-Step-20-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-20-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f6/Use-a-Computer-Step-20-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-20-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Add speakers. Although nearly every laptop is equipped with speakers, with desktop computers, you will usually need headphones or external speakers to hear the sound. Most computers have built-in speaker connectors on the back of the case. In general, computer speakers are marked by color: you will only have to plug the colored plug of your headset into the correct port for it.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/ab/Use-a-Computer-Step-21-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-21-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/ab/Use-a-Computer-Step-21-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-21-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Connect the computer to the TV. If the computer is located near the TV, or if you can put a laptop nearby, you can create a home theater by displaying the image on the TV. With the right cable, you can even play sound on your TV speakers or home stereo.

Refer to the article on how to connect a Mac to a TV.
Connect the laptop to the TV.
Connect the desktop to the TV.

Troubleshooting with your computer

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9d/Use-a-Computer-Step-22-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-22-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9d/Use-a-Computer-Step-22-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-22-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Learn basic troubleshooting tips. Like any other electronic device, computers will often have problems. Knowing basic troubleshooting tips can save you a lot of time and even money. You don’t have to be an expert, but it can be very helpful to know where to start.

The first thing that you should do every time you have a problem is to restart your computer. Believe it or not, this solves a lot of problems with a certain program or feature.
If you’re having connection problems while browsing the web, resetting the connection might solve your problem.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/c5/Use-a-Computer-Step-23-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Use-a-Computer- Step-23-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c5/Use-a-Computer-Step-23-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Use-a-Computer-Step-23-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Know how to recognize viruses. Viruses are destructive and invasive files. They can be a serious threat to your information and files. Viruses can slow down your computer or destroy all stored data. However, by acting smart on the internet, you can avoid nearly any virus.

Besides viruses, adware and spyware can cause serious problems with your computer and security. They are often installed with other programs and are difficult to remove.

Steps

Begin

Learn basic computer commands

Internet connection

Extend the features of your computer

Troubleshooting with your computer

Related Posts